Urine infection (UTI) in older adults

A urine infection (also known as a UTI or cystitis) is an infection of the urine (wee). UTIs are more common as people get older.

UTIs can make frail older adults very unwell. If you are caring for an older adult, be aware that older adults often don't have common UTI symptoms such as pain, a burning sensation, or having to urinate more often. Often the only symptoms are being more muddled, more sleepy, incontinent, off food, or just generally unwell. Confusion and sleepiness can put older adults at risk of falls.